St Paul's Emergency Management Planning

The safety of our students, families and staff is our highest priority. In order to best ensure this, St Paul's College leadership and staff, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, plan for a number of possible incidents, emergencies or natural disasters that could take place at the College or during the school Term. The events of recent years have reinforced how important this planning is and we all have a role to play when it comes to emergency management, including families.

Our students participate in various safety drills and staff participate through training and safety drills. We’d like to share with you the role of parents and families in emergency management.

School Lockdown
A number of the situations we plan for include a school lockdown as one of the immediate safety actions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We understand that some may understand the word ‘lockdown’ to mean there is an immediate safety risk to all students. It is important to understand that when a school initiates a lockdown this may not be the case.

Depending on the situation, the purpose of a school lockdown will differ. A lockdown may be a preparation step for an evacuation, or it may allow emergency services access to an area of the College without having to navigate past students. Regardless of the purpose of a school lockdown, no one can be admitted to the College grounds other than emergency services.

Should we initiate a school lockdown, parents and families will be informed via text message and Compass notification. We will also inform parents and families as soon as the school lockdown has been lifted or if there are any actions required of parents and families. It is important that you do not attempt to attend the College during a school lockdown. We understand that you may be concerned however attending the College may also add risk to a possible emergency situation, block emergency services or impede an evacuation.

Natural Disaster
In the event of a natural disaster, such as flood or bushfire, the College leadership, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it is safe for the College to open. If there is a probability that the College may have to close part way through the day, it will not open for that day as it is extremely difficult to evacuate a school site and ensure all students are able to go directly home safely.

In a bush fire or flood event it is important that parents and families have a plan to get your child/ren home from school, or into your care, at short notice. Please be aware that school buses may not be running and the College can not allow your child/ren to go home to an empty house or home with another parent without your permission.

Family Preparedness
How can you help us prepare for emergency situations?
Please ensure that:

• You have downloaded Compass and have allowed notifications.
• Any changes to your contact details or custodial arrangements have been updated with the school.
• You have a bush fire/flood plan in place that all members of your family understand.
• In the event of a school lockdown or evacuation, directions in the parent notifications are followed.

It is always our hope that these measures will never be needed but it is also our responsibility to ensure our College community is prepared and informed should the need arise. We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.

Mr David Johns, Principal and Nigel McIntyre, Work Health and Safety Manager, Catholic Schools Office, Lismore